William Shatner's "Tek War Chronicles" Debuts This Week

The TekWar Chronicles, a new comic book series based on the best selling TekWar novels by television and movie icon William Shatner is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 24th.

It is the first title to be released under the creative partnership between Shatner and independent comic book publisher Bluewater Productions announced last September. William Shatner has appeared on the "Tonight Show, with Conan O'Brien" and will be on "Live with Regis and Kelly" later this week in support of this title.

"What an exciting event: The TekWar Chronicles, full of intrigue, mystery and sex¦my favorite subjects. I hope you like it as much as I do," said Shatner.

The first volume of the ongoing monthly title, penned by Shatner and Bluewater writing veteran Scott Davis, is loosely based on the original 1989 novel. It follows the story of a disgraced 22nd century police officer who is mysteriously released from prison for a crime he is certain he did not commit. Finding himself lost in a world changed since his incarceration, the no-holds-barred hero, Jake Cardigan, tries to put his life back together only to be lured back into the dark world of a digital drug called Tek.

"The book is not only for people who enjoyed the TekWar novels and TV series said Davis. "I think we've created an intriguing new mythology based on the books that any fan of science fiction or detective noir will enjoy.

According to Davis, the new series is grittier than any previous incarnation of the franchise. "Whether you call it an adaptation, a reboot or a re-imagination, what readers will find is enough of the source material to make it very recognizable, but there are plenty of fresh new turns and twists to keep everyone guessing, he added.

To capture the darker mood and ambience of the book, Bluewater turned to Nashville-based artist Erich Owen to provide the pencils and inks while Michelle Davies added the colors. Shatner, along with producer Craig Nevius, maintained creative control over the books production embraced the new direction.

Although it will tell a serialized story, each volume (four issues) of the TekWar Chronicles contains a complete story arc. Fans will recognize the familiar themes Shatner infused in the original novels: loss, faith, redemption, injustice, frailty hidden by a facade of strength.

"What we have is a recipe for great drama and strong storytelling. It certainly comes across on the pages," said Bluewater Productions president Darren Davis.

Prior to the series release, an original 12-page prequel story introducing fans to the updated Tek universe was distributed for Free Comic Book Day last May. Over 20,000 copies were given away. Shatner signed more than 500 copies during one event in Los Angeles.

Tek War is the first of four separate properties Shatner and Bluewater are scheduled to produce. Other Shatner novel franchises including Man ,War and Quest for Tomorrow will also be adapted by Bluewater as limited series releases. Shatner is also currently developing an original story for titled Chimera that Bluewater will publish.

Davis has written several titles for Bluewater Productions including "Ray Harryhausen Presents: Wrath of the Titans,"20 Million Miles More, "War of the Elementals and "Orion the Hunter. He is also a contributor to the Vincent Price Presents anthology series and the author of the upcoming Al Gore biography comic for Bluewater's Political Power series.

About Bluewater ProductionsBluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers "10th Muse, and "The Legend of Isis. Bluewater publishes comic books with legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen science fiction icon William Shatner.

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

Following its commitment to green publishing, Bluewater comic books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. FSC certification guarantees that the paper used in Bluewater books contains fiber from well-managed and responsibility harvested forests that meet strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.